Dr. Pamela Minkes, OD

Dr. Pamela Minkes, OD is a dedicated Optometrist practicing at her clinic in Miami, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is committed to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive optometric care. Your optometrist is your primary partner in lifelong eye health, providing preventive care, vision correction, early disease detection, personalized health plans, and coordinating screenings to ensure your best possible vision and overall wellness. She serves all ages, from infants to seniors, recognizing the unique eye care needs across the lifespan.

Dr. Pamela Minkes, OD is an optometrist in Miami, FL, committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to patient care. She fosters a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. This includes personalized strategies for maintaining optimal vision, understanding eye health risks, and proactively seeking regular checkups. This patient-centric approach ensures that each patient receives individualized attention and guidance, tailored to their specific needs and circumstances.

To confirm Dr. Pamela OD's availability for new patients, please call (305) 606-7267. Dr. Pamela OD provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Pamela OD is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Pamela OD can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Pamela OD provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Cataract - Aberrant Oral Frenula - Growth Delay: Managing potential complications from cataracts early on, along with addressing oral frenula and growth delays, ensures optimal eye health and overall well-being in children.
• Pars Planitis: Regular comprehensive eye exams are crucial for early detection of pars planitis, allowing for timely treatment and minimizing potential long-term eye health issues.
• Chorioretinitis: Because chorioretinitis can cause serious vision problems, it's important to prioritize routine eye exams to catch and treat it early, thus preventing vision loss.
• Blepharoconjunctivitis: Preventing complications from blepharoconjunctivitis, like corneal ulcers, starts with proactive hygiene practices and prompt treatment from your eye doctor.
• Optic Atrophy - Ophthalmoplegia - Ptosis - Deafness - Myopathy: Experiencing symptoms such as drooping eyelids (ptosis), muscle weakness (ophthalmoplegia), or hearing loss (deafness) alongside vision changes warrants immediate consultation with an ophthalmologist to rule out conditions like optic atrophy and start timely management.
• Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy: Managing conditions like high blood pressure and diabetes helps reduce your risk of developing AION, a condition that can cause sudden and significant vision loss—demonstrating the critical role preventative health plays in eye care.
• Coloboma of Lens: Regular checkups with your eye doctor are crucial for detecting coloboma of the lens early, allowing for timely intervention and minimizing its impact on your vision throughout life.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Pamela OD offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Pediatric Eye and Vision Examination: Early detection of eye conditions in children is crucial; a pediatric eye exam provides a thorough assessment to prevent long-term vision difficulties and improve your child's learning and development.
• Eye Injection (Prescribing/Co-management in some states): Eye injections, when appropriate, can be part of your comprehensive eye exam, helping your doctor detect and treat serious eye conditions early.
• Macular Degeneration Genetic Testing: Genetic testing for macular degeneration helps you and your eye doctor create a customized plan to monitor your vision health and detect any issues early.
• Contact Lens Fitting Services: Invest in your eye health; a contact lens fitting helps determine the best contact lens type for your eyes, reducing the risk of infections and complications.
• Strabismus Surgery (Co-management): Taking a proactive approach with strabismus surgery co-management helps achieve the best possible visual results and minimizes the risk of long-term eye issues.
• Wet Macular Degeneration Laser Treatment (Co-management): Protecting your vision starts with co-managed laser treatment for wet macular degeneration, helping to prevent further vision loss and maintain your independence.
• Removal of Foreign Body from External Eye: Protecting your eyes from irritation and infection starts with safely removing any foreign bodies that may have gotten lodged in them.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Optometry Services in Florida.

Dr. Pamela OD is dedicated to partnering with Caregivers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Patient's life:

• By proactively addressing potential oral frenula issues and scheduling regular eye exams, a family gained peace of mind, ensuring their child's optimal eye health and overall well-being.
• By scheduling regular comprehensive eye exams, a patient proactively monitored their eye health, significantly reducing the risk of pars planitis and ensuring peace of mind regarding their long-term vision.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Optometric care with Dr. Pamela OD:

What is an Optometrist, and how are they different from an Ophthalmologist?

An optometrist, like Dr. Pamela OD, is a primary eye care provider. They perform comprehensive eye exams, prescribe glasses and contact lenses, and diagnose and manage many eye conditions. Ophthalmologists, on the other hand, are medical doctors who specialize in surgery and more complex eye conditions.

How often should I get a comprehensive eye exam, even if I see well?

A comprehensive eye exam every one to two years is crucial for most adults, even if you see well. These exams are vital for detecting silent, vision-threatening diseases like glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy, often before symptoms appear. Early detection allows for prompt treatment and preserves your vision.

Can an eye exam detect other health problems in my body?

Yes, a comprehensive eye exam, including dilation, can detect early signs of systemic diseases like diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and even certain cancers or autoimmune diseases. The eye is unique because its blood vessels can be viewed directly without surgery, allowing for important health screenings.

When should my child have their first eye exam?

Dr. Pamela OD recommends a comprehensive eye exam for children between 6 and 12 months of age. This early exam is essential for detecting potential vision problems like lazy eye or misaligned eyes, ensuring proper vision development.

What is 'low vision' and how can you help?

Low vision is vision impairment that cannot be fully corrected with glasses, contacts, or surgery. A low vision evaluation with Dr. Pamela OD focuses on maximizing your remaining vision through tools like magnifiers, special lighting, and other adaptive devices to help you maintain independence.

What is Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD)?

Age-related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in older adults, affecting the macula, the part of the eye responsible for sharp, central vision. There are "dry" and "wet" forms of AMD. Regular eye exams are crucial for early detection and management to preserve vision.

Is it safe to buy contact lenses online without an exam?

It is unsafe and illegal to purchase contact lenses online without a comprehensive eye exam. Contact lenses are medical devices that sit directly on your eye, and a proper fitting and annual exam with Dr. Pamela OD is essential. This ensures the lenses fit correctly and are not damaging your eye, preventing serious infections and vision loss.

What is an OCT scan?

An OCT scan is an advanced imaging technology, similar to ultrasound, that uses light to create incredibly detailed, cross-sectional pictures of your retina and optic nerve. Dr. Pamela OD uses this to precisely detect and monitor diseases like glaucoma and macular degeneration.

11734 SW 104th St
Miami FL 33186
Phone: (305) 606-7267

Dr. Pamela Minkes, OD is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1982810701

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Optometry Services like Dr. Pamela OD are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your optometry about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.